AI firm OpenAI said it will make changes to ChatGPT to better handle “sensitive situations,” after a lawsuit claimed the chatbot played a role in a teenager’s suicide. The parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine filed a wrongful death suit this week, claiming that ChatGPT “actively helped” their son find ways to end his life.
Elevate Your Investing Strategy:
- Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence.
The case has gained wide attention and raised fresh concerns over how AI tools react when users share thoughts of self-harm. While OpenAI did not mention the lawsuit in its latest blog post, it admitted that ChatGPT can fail to follow safeguards during long chats.
OpenAI Promises New Safeguards
In a post titled “Helping people when they need it most,” OpenAI said it will roll out changes to better guide users during critical moments. The company plans to improve ChatGPT’s ability to “de-escalate” risky chats and direct users to professional help, if needed. It is testing ways to link people with certified therapists, and even build a network of licensed helpers who could be reached through the chatbot.
OpenAI also said it will soon launch parental controls, giving families more insight into how teens use ChatGPT. Updates tied to the new GPT-5 model are set to include stronger safety checks for users at risk.
Growing Scrutiny on AI Safety
The Raine family’s lawyer, Jay Edelson, criticized OpenAI for not reaching out directly to the family. He said, “If you’re going to use the most powerful consumer tech on the planet — you have to trust that the founders have a moral compass.”
Raine’s case is not the only one. Other reports link suicides to AI chats, raising doubts about the role of such tools in mental health. As AI adoption grows, the push to balance growth with safety is set to intensify.
Which Is the Best AI Stock to Buy, According to Analysts?
Investors looking to buy into OpenAI in 2025 may be let down, as the company remains private and doesn’t offer its shares to the public.
Still, those interested in the AI space can consider other major AI-related stocks. To help with this, we’ve used TipRanks’ stock comparison tool to compare several top AI companies. Users can also conduct further research to identify the most promising stock based on analyst ratings and other insights.
